(a) The general assembly recognizes that many Tennessee institutions, both public and private, have elected to select symbols, mascots, and names to represent those institutions. The symbols, mascots, and names are often chosen in recognition of the area’s heritage and to honor and respect certain persons or cultures and their contributions to our citizens and our state.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 4-1-405
State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b) No state agency has the authority to require or to prohibit or impair in any way the right of any public or private institution to continue to honor certain persons or cultures through the use of symbols, mascots and names.
